Mariah Carey In Los Angeles: Legendary Diva Opens Up To Adoring Fans At Gibson Ampitheatre

Mariah Carey… the true definintion of a legendary diva.

Hot on the heels of her award-winning roll in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” and in anticipation of next month’s remix album, the R&B diva thrilled a Los Angeles crowd with her performance on the Angels’ Advocate Tour. Mariah is a legend in music history. Mariah is a diva. Mariah knows she is both and she definitely owns it. The night at the Gibson Ampitheatre was a glimpse into the mega-star’s personality and an insight into her knowledge of herself and her well established place in the entertainment world.

The arena was jammed full and Eva Longoria and Russell Simmons were spotted in the crowd. As the lights dimmed and soft purple light spelled out the name “MARIAH,” the crowd was roused to see their angel. The curtains suddenly fell to the floor and a gold adorned Mariah Carey drifted down from the rafters on a swing. The bottom of the ruffled gown was soon torn away by her four backup dancers and it was time for the party to begin. “Shake It Off” and “Touch My Body” roused the adoring fans to their feet. She told the audience, “You sound very, very festive.” She then picked up a glass from a table full of beverages and said, “This is water — don’t get it twisted, please. Now that’s not to say there aren’t other things on the table. This is L.A. And I have been known to have a sip or two in L.A.” Laughter and good vibes filled the air.

The fact that the performance began on time was later mentioned by Carey. “I’m usually much more late and people criticize me for that,” she pointed out. “But tonight, in Los Angeles, was I on time?” The question brought forth an approving roar. The connection of fans and artist became more and more intimate as she continued her bubbly discourse between hits.

One cannot forget that the 39-year old Carey has already sold more than 175 million albums worldwide and has 18 #1 singles. She has earned the right to have her own unique personality and it was unashamedly on parade on this night. In the middle of the show, it was “diva time,” as M called her hair and makeup crew out to freshen her up. This was such an endearing time as the sense of humor in the singer came out. “I know it’s a diva moment, but I don’t care.” Carey knew what the crowd was thinking, so she went for the laugh. “I went to beauty school, so I can do this, too. Five hundred hours! The teacher hated me.”

The tongue-in-cheek humor did not stop there. When her stylist poured her a splash of Angel Rose champagne, she took a sip and admitted this was a “shameless plug.” She continued, “I’m mostly sticking to water tonight, but when someone pours you a glass of champagne, it’s rude not to accept.” LA was eating up every word from the humbly gracious and playful singer.

“I’m feeling divalicious tonight!” belted Carey, as she flew into singing “Honey.” She mentioned the water skis which were in the video for the song. She dedicated “Angels Cry” to the people of Haiti. She dedicated “Impossible” to her husband Nick Cannon, “I wrote it for my husband, who is not here tonight because he had business. Whatever. Maybe he’ll surprise me one night.” Carey was so sincere and adorable that you could not help but love her and play along with her charm. This artist is far more knowing and self-aware than the fodder you read about her in the tabloids.

There were four wardrobe changes, throughout the night, including a long, sparkled dress and of course a black gown. The visuals in the show were solid and included a trapeze act where a male and female dancer spun above Carey while she crooned, “Angels Cry.” She sang “Always Be My Baby” while lying back on a chaise and at one time dissapeared into an elevator built into the stage.

During one such change, elite backup singer, Trey Lorenz, wood the crowd with his version of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.”

Although possibly not having the power it once did, the Mariah Carey voice was still commanding and definitely angelic. Carey went for it and hit her trademark high notes, especially on “Don’t Forget About Us.” The Gospel In the singer came forth during “Make It Happen,” a favorite from all the way back on her first album.

Carey returned for an encore, singing, “Hero.” The roar of the singing-along crowd almost overshadowed her voice and you knew that a pop legend was running this night in her own “divalicious” way.

After her show last night, Mariah reportedly stayed on to film a segment for Oprah. She left the Gibson Amphitheatre at around 1:00am.

Setlist:
01. Butterfly Intro/Daydream Interlude
02. Shake It Off
03. Touch My Body
04. Don’t Forget About Us
05. Fly Like A Bird
06. Make It Happen
07. Angels Cry
08. Always Be My Baby
09. It’s Like That
10. The Impossible
11. Love Hangover/Heartbreaker
12. Honey
13. It’s A Wrap
14. My All
15. Obsessed
16. Up Out My Face
17. We Belong Together
18. Hero